Sunday, June 21, 2009

The New York Post feature came out this morning, and is practically a full-page article on page 9! The article focuses on how the budget crisis may impact the program for the next school year. Thanks to reporter Annie Karni and photographer Chad Rachman for all of their hard work on the PS22 Chorus's behalf. Job well done!

WHOA!! So do you seriously get these kids 2 full days a week or did I read that wrong (the part about the substitute teacher) That is hard core support from the administration if so! My kids are lucky to have chorus once a week-- which is on the music teachers planning bell-- although she is paid a stipend for it.

I hope the situation isn't as dire as it sounded in the article. With all your big time fans I know something will happen in your favor!

I was gonna say-- as the classroom teacher I would freak out to lose my kids for 2 full days... although I think I would be nervous for two full periods two days a week-- our kids do their chorus time in place of their PE time those days.

Do they at least get you the same sub every time or is it just a random person? I can't imagine trying to plan for a different sub all the time.

oh, you're one of those, eh?? ;) no, the kids are programmed for different clubs during chorus time, so the kids don't miss teaching of the major subject areas. also so that those that are not in chorus, are getting some other remedial/intra- or extracurricular activities too, as a break from all the test-prep these kids are subjected to these days.

THAT IS AWESOME--- and yes I am one of those... but I can safely say my kids are so happy to pass the stupid state tests with advanced and perfect scores--- otherwise if they don't pass the brilliance of the beach takes over-- and they get NO ELECTIVES( art, music, band, foreign language, etc) in middle school! TOTALLY BLOWS!! Talk about pressure on the kids and the teachers!

How long is your school day to get all that in! I love that idea but am not sure how we could do it in 7.25 hours a day!

WOOHOO!!..Congrats, once again.. And its so fitting to see those two girls up front!... omg...Its also good to see that the school accomodates your students w/their other class schedules... Does it ever get pretty stressful for all of you trying to juggle these events as well as their own lives?

Indeed, u are lucky but do u realize the effect u have on these kids? You brought out their talent which I am sure would not have been uncovered otherwise...It goes both ways... Everyone involved becomes a better person.

So Mr. B! Is there anything that those of us who are fans of the kids can do to help with the budget crisis? Does it help to write or email the school administration, city officials, etc? Donations to the school's music program? What can those of us in other places (I'm in Chicago, for example) do to help? And as a Pre-k and K. teacher for 10 years, believe me when I say that I understand all about "lack of budget".

As a former Staten Islander and retired NYC teacher I followed your accomplishments with the chorus on the Time Warner cable channel at Christmas time every year. It is so gratifying to see the children enjoy the singing and the delight in their efforts. Keep up the good work.Jill V

Tori Amos

"They were so good! Their arrangements -- their sound -- it was so good.... It was...... disarming. It means so much that they took it and made it their own."-- Tori Amos after a private performance by the PS22 Chorusof her songs at the Sony Atrium in N.Y.C.

Common

"I feel honored to perform with PS22. The energy brought me up to a natural high on music and art, and just the spirits of you all. You all are so exciting to perform with..... I'm gonna remember this day forever."--hip hop legendCommonon performing with the PS22 Chorus at the National Tree Lighting 2009 for President Obama

David Cook

"Oh my God! It's ridiculous... It is incredible how good you guys are!!"-- David Cook, American Idol winner, after singing with PS22 Chorus!

Bonnie Hunt

Innocence Mission

"What a beautiful, beautiful, joyful version. It is a huge improvement on the original. The children brought tears to my eyes with their glorious singing and smiles. I so love the energy of this performance, the arrangement, the harmonies, everything."-- Karen PerisofThe Innocence Missionin apersonal message to the PS22 Chorusafter seeing the kids' video of the song "There" from their album, GLOW

Tribute WTC

Wikipedia

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IMPROVS

Improvising is a skill that really demands great natural musical ability, particularly to do it at 9 or 10 years old! All of the following songs were being created and recorded as you hear them here (with some minor post-editing). PS22 Chorus member JUSTIN, with occasional super-special guests including legendary PS22 Chorus Alumni CLIVE, DEON, BEN, ADIZA, KARIMA, BRI-AH, & AMANDA D., demonstrates the technique brilliantly.

Stevie Nicks

B.J. Novak

"My God! We watch you all the time at work, at The Office, all the actors, all the writers... You guys are amazing! I swear to you, you're an inspiration, keep it up!"-- B.J. Novak, star of The Office, raves about the PS22 Chorusat The Webby Awards!

Sinead O'Connor

"Most beautiful, joyous thing I seen apart from me own children ." -- Sinead O'Connorafter seeing the PS22 Chorus video of her song "Jackie!" PS22 was then invited to be the opening act for her concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

Passion Pit

"These kids made the record what we had been dreaming it to be, as they are integral parts of three songs.... It felt so unbelievable to have the exact sound that I wanted coming through the headphones...."-- Michael Angelakosof Passion Pit on recording with the PS22 Chorus

Nancy Pelosi

"...You indeed, as you sing, 'rule the world!'"--Speaker of the HouseNancy Pelosiafter hearing the chorus sing at the Capitol